Heading south on I-49 out of Shreveport, John McBride spotted a probable
adult Bald Eagle.He noted the
white head and dark body, but didnít see the tail.We also noted Great Egret (2) and American Crow (2).We didnít attempt to identify the ducks we passed at 75 mph.

First stop was the MacDonaldís in Natchitoches.Larry recorded Fish Crow (6) and Northern Mockingbird (1) here before we
were off again.We began
serious birding around 1015 hrs.We
started on C C Rd to Chickamaw Rd back to U.S. 71, then to LA 456, to Feed Mill
Rd to LA 470 back to U.S. 71 to Lecompte, about 13 miles by vehicle.It was overcast, wind SE at 5 mph, temperature 59 F to 60 F.On Chickamaw Rd, just south of C C Rd, we had a large flock of geese,
estimated at 11,000, in a cattle pasture.Everyone got good looks at both morphs of Snow Goose, and a few Rossí
Goose were spotted.

From here, Jim led us, via a circuitous path to Feed Mill Rd and LA 470.Sharp-eyed Martha Lennard made Sandy stop so she could take a closer look
at a field and eventually picked out 5 Sandhill Crane.Everyone got good looks and enjoyed watching as two of the cranes took
flight.Jim pointed out the flight
posture with necks outstretched.

From here, we headed to Bayou Rd and birded Bayou Rd to the end of
Cheneyville Echo Rd (10.7 mi. by vehicle) from 1145 hrs until 1345 hrs.Skies remained overcast with winds variable at 3 mph.The temperature ranged from 62 F to 64 F.Among the birds recorded on this stretch was a banded Whooping Crane.Jim sent the band sequence to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries who responded that the crane is3-year-old
female, L5-14.Up to now, she had
been spending her time in Jefferson Davis Parish.

Jim then led us to Leaís in Lecompte and everyone went their separate
ways from there.On the way back,
John McBride added Rock Pigeon 100 (I-49 at Alexandria); Ring-necked Duck 10;
and Black Vulture 2 along I-49
headed back to Shreveport.

Total species count = 62, counting the Whooping Crane.Kudos to Jim for a great field trip!

Sandhill Crane Field Trip: Photo by Larry
Raymond. February 18, 2017

Sandhill Crane Field Trip: Photo by Larry
Raymond, February 18, 2017

February 18, 2017. Highlight of the trip was
the observation of a Whooping Crane.
Photo by Rosemary Seidler.